What is STIR/SHAKEN?
SHAKEN/STIR stands for Signature-based Handling of Asserted Information Using toKENs (SHAKEN) and the Secure Telephone Identity Revisited (STIR). They are industry standards for authenticating phone calls by using digital certificates with cryptography techniques to mitigate unwanted robocalls by reducing the impact of caller ID spoofing. The concept allows calls traveling through interconnected phone networks to have their caller ID “signed” as legitimate by originating carriers and validated by other carriers before reaching consumers. Each telephone service provider receives their own digital certificate from a trusted certificate authority to verify that the call is accurate and not spoofed. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is leading the push for industry adoption of these standards to help consumers as quickly as possible.
How does STIR/SHAKEN work?
The STIR (Secure Telephone Identity Revisited) and SHAKEN (Signature-based Handling of Asserted information using toKENs) standards create the framework to ensure every SIP-signaled call has a certificate and authenticity attached to it. The SIP headers capture information via the attestation field to authenticate the callers’ identity.
Full Attestation – The service provider has authenticated their customer originating the call and they are authorized to use the calling number.
Partial Attestation – The service provider has authenticated their customer originating the call but cannot verify they are authorized to use the calling number.
Gateway Attestation – The service provider has authenticated from where it received the call, but cannot authenticate the call source (ex: Mexico IP Phone call).
Once the originating call is authenticated, the encrypted Identity header traverses the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and is then verified by the terminating carrier. The terminating carrier can then use the results of the verification to aid in the combatting of unwanted Robocalls while indicating to the called party that the caller ID has been verified and can be trusted to be accurate.
What is SHAKEN (not stirred)?
STIR determines whether a call is fraudulent and SHAKEN deals with the technology and strategy on how to route those calls. Basically, SHAKEN takes the information from STIR and provides the data to guide service provider networks on how to best reduce robocalls.
Will SHAKEN work for international calls?
Currently, it’s only been implemented in the U.S. and Canada, but SHAKEN is designed to be used in international calls once other countries adopt SHAKEN.
How is Mexico IP Phone involved with STIR/SHAKEN?
Mexico IP Phone’s own redundant, low latency, high-quality voice, reliable network infrastructure and technologies are fully updated and compliant with the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) SHAKEN/STIR standards. In addition, Mexico IP Phone has implemented even more measures that go beyond those standards with its interactive voice response technology (IVR) called Mexico IP Phone CallTrue, which enables customers to have a better option than just blocking. Mexico IP Phone CallTrue takes it a step further to mitigate robocalls. Mexico IP Phone CallTrue provides simple recorded messaging that asks callers to enter commands, such as “please press 2” to verify the caller is human. This eliminates the need for your business’ customer service or sales representatives wasting time with unwanted calls, and ensures your business’ inbound call data isn’t skewed with spam calls.
Network Operations Centers (NOCs)
At Mexico IP Phone VoIP Solutions, we take pride in our state-of-the-art Network Operations Centers (NOCs), which serve as the backbone of our communication services. Our NOCs are not just a technical necessity; they embody our commitment to delivering exceptional support and service reliability to our customers. Here’s how our amazing NOCs enhance your experience and ensure that your voice communications are always seamless and effective.
1. 24/7 Monitoring and Support
Our NOCs operate around the clock, 365 days a year. This continuous monitoring allows us to proactively identify and address any potential issues before they affect your service. Whether it’s the middle of the night or during peak business hours, our dedicated team is always on standby, ready to respond to any alerts and ensure that your communications remain uninterrupted.
2. Real-Time Traffic Analysis
We understand that voice quality is paramount in telecommunications. Our NOCs utilize advanced monitoring tools to analyze voice traffic in real time, ensuring optimal call quality. By tracking key performance indicators—such as latency, jitter, and packet loss—our NOCs can quickly identify any anomalies and make necessary adjustments. This proactive approach guarantees that you receive clear, uninterrupted calls, enhancing your overall communication experience.
3. Rapid Incident Response
In the rare event of a service disruption, our NOCs are equipped to respond swiftly and effectively. Our trained technicians can diagnose issues promptly, whether they stem from network congestion, equipment malfunctions, or external threats. By coordinating with our engineering and technical teams, our NOCs ensure that any disruptions are resolved as quickly as possible, minimizing downtime and maintaining service continuity.
4. Expertise and Training
Our NOC staff are highly trained professionals with extensive experience in network management and voice communications. They stay current with industry trends and technologies, ensuring that they have the skills needed to handle any situation. Regular training sessions and knowledge sharing within the team empower our NOC personnel to provide informed support and solutions tailored to your needs.
5. Quality Assurance Commitment
Quality assurance is a fundamental part of our NOC operations. We continuously monitor the performance of our services and gather customer feedback to identify areas for improvement. Our team conducts routine audits and performance assessments to ensure that we consistently meet and exceed the standards you expect. This relentless focus on quality means that you can trust Mexico IP Phone for reliable, high-quality voice services.
6. Scalability and Flexibility
As your business grows, so do your communication needs. Our NOCs are designed with scalability in mind, allowing us to adapt quickly to increasing demands. Whether you’re expanding your workforce or launching new services, our NOCs are equipped to scale up operations efficiently, ensuring that you never experience a drop in service quality.
7. Security and Compliance
In today’s digital landscape, security is paramount. Our NOCs employ robust security measures to protect your data and ensure compliance with industry regulations. Continuous monitoring for potential threats and vulnerabilities helps us safeguard your communications, allowing you to focus on your business with peace of mind.
8. Customer-Centric Approach
At Mexico IP Phone, our customers are at the heart of everything we do. Our NOCs are designed to provide not only technical support but also a customer-centric experience. We value your feedback and work closely with you to understand your unique needs. This partnership allows us to tailor our services to better serve you and enhance your overall satisfaction.
In summary, our amazing Network Operations Centers (NOCs) are integral to our mission of providing outstanding VoIP services. With 24/7 monitoring, expert incident response, quality assurance, and a commitment to security, we ensure that your voice communications remain seamless and reliable. At Mexico IP Phone VoIP Solutions, we’re dedicated to leveraging our NOCs to support your business and help you achieve your communication goals. Experience the difference of working with a provider that truly values your success!